Australia to host Tag World Cup

The International Tag Federation (ITF) have today announced that Coffs Harbour, Australia, will host the Tag World Cup in November 2018.

An anticipated 190 teams will travel to Coffs Harbour from around the world and Australia, bringing approximately 3800 players with officials and up to 5000 families and supporters to the region.

Coffs Harbour is currently host to four major annual Oztag events, which collectively bring around 30000 players and spectators to the area every year.

The game of Oztag now in its 25th year is a global sport and played in several countries around the world. Its popularity has seen it grow in numbers every year with countries such as Ireland, England and New Zealand boosting more than 20000 players and in recent years South Africa, Japan and Hong Kong have all started to enjoy the game.

New Zealand Tag Football and Australia Oztag created the International Tag Federation in 2009 2 years after The 2007 TWC at Fowlds Park, Auckland New Zealand which had 7 Age Group Grades and only 36 teams. Again in 2012 at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland it tripled in size with 96 teams participating. The Tag World Cup on the Sunshine Coast Australia in 2015 attracted a record 168 teams.

Stuart McConnell, Chairman, International Tag Federation and Executive Director of the Tag Association in South Africa made the announcement today.

“It is with great excitement that the International Tag Federation would like to announce that the Tag World Cup will be held in Coffs Harbour in 2018 a decision that was unanimous. We understand the fantastic relationship that Coffs Harbour has with Oztag and know that the professional that the two parties have will ensure that the Tag World Cup in Coffs Harbour will be a success.”

Oztag Tournament Director Bill Harrigan was delighted by the news.

“I have looked throughout New South Wales and Queensland and I have not found a better regional venue than C.ex Coffs International Stadium. The fields are always in immaculate condition. The grass surface is like running on carpet in the Stadium and on the outside fields.

"A major factor in our decision to bring Oztag Competitions to Coffs every year is that you always have the opportunity to play – rain, hail or shine! We have been here in severe downpours and constant rain, yet play goes on. The other important factors are plenty of accommodation and the council (staff) are terrific to work with,” he said.

Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Denise Knight said, “Securing the Tag World Cup is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Coffs Harbour on the International stage, and provides a significant injection into local tourism and businesses. As the home of the Australian round of the World Rally Championship, and having previously hosted the Touch Football World Cup in 2015, this is yet more recognition that C.ex Coffs International Stadium and the entire Coffs Harbour Community is the perfect venue for International teams and visitors.

"We know that travelling teams and visitors to Coffs Harbour get a warm welcome from local restaurants, cafes, hotels and the community and we look forward to welcoming this latest group of guests to our beautiful part of Australia.”

The Tag World Cup will be held at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium, 1-4 November 2018. The Senior Australian Oztag Championship, traditionally held in November will now move to early December 2018.